Science · 17 September 2026 · From issue 38
A noncontiguous code for RNA-guided DNA recognition at the origin of CRISPR-Cas
A newly found bacterial defense system reads virus DNA using a gapped, skipping code.
Peter H. Yoon, Kenneth J. Loi et al.
Bacteria have their own immune systems that fight off viruses. Scientists found a new one called VIPR, made of a protein and a special RNA guide. This RNA does not match its target in one straight line. Instead, it uses a skipping code, matching short bits with gaps in between. This system may be an ancient ancestor of CRISPR, the gene-editing tool used today.
Scientists showed the system can be reprogrammed to shut down specific virus genes in lab tests.
Lab bacteria only, no human or animal testing yet.
Integrity screen: passed (3 checks) Checked 24 September 2026. Retraction record: none. DOI resolves at doi.org. Metadata record found (Science). Read the source
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